a dreamy backyard retreat

Living in the South, the weather is decent enough to be outside for basically nine months of the year and so outdoor spaces are a big part of the way most of us live down here.  It goes without saying, then, that the best outdoor spaces are those that live like extensions of the indoors with plenty of comfy seating, covered porches and separate eating areas.  This Southampton retreat by designer Juan Montoya takes my breath away with its incredibly chic landscaping (THOSE HYDRANGEAS!!!), a classic blue and white color palette, a perfect pool for swimming laps or watching the kids play, a covered eating area for impromptu summer dinners and lots of comfy, cozy seating.  Summer living just doesn’t get any better than this:

The pool, the hedges, the hydrangeas, the pergola…..what more is there to say?  Absolute perfection:

Proof that shingle-style will be forever chic:

Not a bad view from the pergola-covered dining area; this would be my breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks spot, for sure…I CANNOT get enough of those hydrangeas!

Another view of the pergola-covered eating area – I love the slate flooring and the rustic lighting fixtures:

Wicker seating, beautiful greenery and a to-die-for teak coffee table are eclipsed only by the sheer size of the back porch:

Here are a few picks to create a similar look and feel with lots of navy blue, rattan, monogrammed outdoor throw pillows, a touch of gold and a forever classic Lutyens bench:

Rattan charger / Juliska Country Estate dinnerware / Lutyens bench / Monogrammed outdoor pillow

Cutout bathing suit / Sun hat / Topiary / Hanging chair / Gold flatware set / Wicker chair

Blue and white ginger jar / Oversize clam shell

Happy Monday!  Hope you’re all off to a great start this week!